Helping Hands, Feb. 5, 2014 Steve Williams

Served as a teacher and school administrator in Williamsburg County, in education field for 30 years

Served as a social worker, and is a motivational speaker, and the author of two books

The Mitney Project is a community revitalization organization working to improve the quality of life of high-need youths and adults in Georgetown’s most distressed community. BOOST Biz Camp is open to all youths ages 13 to 18.

How did you become involved with the Mitney Project?

I was asked to come aboard. They were looking for someone with experience in teaching and working with kids — someone who is a motivator and inspirational.

I guess I fit the bill.

I’ve been working with kids for many years.

What would you like people to know about the BOOST Biz Camp?

I would like them to know that it is a wonderful program.

It is a nationally and internationally recognized program and it empowers children in our community.

One of the biggest issues we have in this country is a high drop-out rate in high school and unemployment.

This program addresses those two issues.

People don’t plan to fail in life, they just fail to plan.

Many children in Georgetown County have a “yes I can” attitude, but they have a “no I can’t” aptitude.

It’s terrible to see a young person in his or her 20s who wasted opportunities in school.

This program gives children in school the chance to take a serious look at plans for empowering themselves and their community.

There is a very famous quote: “It is not a shame not to reach your goals in life, but it is a shame to not have goals.”

Some kids simply don’t have goals. They are walking around aimless, and by the time they realize it, it is too late.

What will the program teach students?

I will teach them to construct their business plans to present to organizations and individuals who may be interested in whatever particular idea or invention they might have.

The students will be learning very important skills, including market research, how to write a plan and how to improve it based on the market they are serving.

Some examples would be ways to help senior citizens, transportation or food service.

With this program, kids are not waiting.

They learn these skills early to improve the quality of their lives.

Young people come up with ideas to make a profit.

I subscribe to this program wholeheartedly and I feel honored to be the instructor.

What other things do you do to help others in the community?

I have written one history book called “Ebony Effects — 150 facts about blacks in Georgetown, S.C.”

Another book I wrote is called “If You Don’t Push, Nothing Moves” and it has short stories and poetry.

I also speak to many organizations, both social and religious, sororities and schools. I have been doing that for 30-plus years.

Can you tell me about your family?

Both of my parents grew up in Georgetown. My father, Rev. Herbert L. Williams, was a minister at Bethel A.M.E. Church and served as president of the NAACP for Georgetown County.

I have two daughters. Imani is a speech therapist in Orangeburg and Nyema is a high school English teacher in Greenville.

— Compiled by Clayton Stairs

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